Patents by Inventor John W. McKeachnie

John W. McKeachnie has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7896091
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore is described herein. A convertible seal includes a sealing element and a valve. The sealing element is in fluid communication with the valve and fluidly blocks a bore of the convertible seal. The sealing element prevents fluid from flowing through the bore until desired. When desired, the sealing element is removed to allow fluid to flow through the bore. Fluid flow in the bore is controlled by the valve. As a result, the convertible seal has been converted to a flow control seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Williamson, John W. McKeachnie
  • Publication number: 20090178808
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore is described herein. A convertible seal includes a sealing element and a valve. The sealing element is in fluid communication with the valve and fluidly blocks a bore of the convertible seal. The sealing element prevents fluid from flowing through the bore until desired. When desired, the sealing element is removed to allow fluid to flow through the bore. Fluid flow in the bore is controlled by the valve. As a result, the convertible seal has been converted to a flow control seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Scott E. Williamson, John W. McKeachnie
  • Patent number: 7510018
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore is described herein. A convertible seal includes a sealing element and a valve. The sealing element is in fluid communication with the valve and fluidly blocks a bore of the convertible seal. The sealing element prevents fluid from flowing through the bore until desired. When desired, the sealing element is removed to allow fluid to flow through the bore. Fluid flow in the bore is controlled by the valve. As a result, the convertible seal has been converted to a flow control seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Williamson, John W. McKeachnie
  • Patent number: 7434627
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the insertion of a tool into a wellbore, especially a non-vertical wellbore. In one embodiment a tool is fixable in a wellbore and includes centralizing, friction-reducing members that serve to keep the body of the tool off the walls of the wellbore. In another embodiment the tool includes a wiper ring that partially fills an annular area formed between the centered tool and the wellbore walls. The surface of the ring facing the upper end of the wellbore provides fluid resisting piston surface and permits the centered tool to be pumped down the wellbore more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, John W. McKeachnie
  • Publication number: 20080169105
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore is described herein. A convertible seal includes a sealing element and a valve. The sealing element is in fluid communication with the valve and fluidly blocks a bore of the convertible seal. The sealing element prevents fluid from flowing through the bore until desired. When desired, the sealing element is removed to allow fluid to flow through the bore. Fluid flow in the bore is controlled by the valve. As a result, the convertible seal has been converted to a flow control seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Scott E. Williamson, John W. McKeachnie